Western Union to Reimburse Stoneham Residents Who Lost Money through Wire Transfer Scams

STONEHAM — Chief James McIntyre and the Stoneham Police Department would like to alert residents who were victims of a wire transfer scam that they can now get their money back if they made payments through Western Union.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people who lost money to scammers by paying through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 are now eligible to receive their money back if they file a claim by Feb. 12.

The reimbursement eligibility comes after the FTC reached a settlement with Western Union earlier this year. Western Union agreed to return $586 million to settle the FTC’s claim that it did not adequately protect people from fraud.

“We’re happy to see that the victims of this scam will finally get their money back,” Chief McIntyre said. “In most instances, once someone falls victim to a scam involving wired funds, that money is gone forever. However, it’s still important for residents to remember to never wire money to someone they don’t know and to call police immediately if you feel you’re a target of a scam.”

For those who wish to file a claim, the FTC provided the following information:

If you already reported your case to Western Union, the FTC or another government agency, you might get a claim form in the mail. The forms were mailed on Nov. 13 and were sent from Gilardi & Co. LLC, which is handling the claims.

Claims can be filed online, however the Claim ID and PIN number are required. Both can be found on the form sent in the mail.

If you didn’t already report your loss, or you didn’t receive a claim form in the mail, go online to file your claim here.

If you’re submitting a new claim, or wish to change the pre-filled amount on the claim form you got in the mail, you’ll be asked for documentation that can be uploaded or sent in by mail. If you don’t have documentation, you can still complete the form and give as much detail as possible. Your information will be validated against your Western Union money transfer history.

You do not have to pay to get your money back. Don’t pay anyone who says they can file a claim for you. Nobody will call you to ask for your bank account or credit card number and it’s free to file your claim online.

The U.S. Department of Justice is handling the remission process. It will take up to a year to validate all the claims and return money to people affected.

Georgetown Girl Donates Care Packages to Police Officers as Part of Thanksgiving Tradition

For the third year in a row, 8-year-old resident Alanna Brown made care packages for members of the Georgetown Police Department as a way to say thank you for their service. (Courtesy Photo Georgetown Police Department)

GEORGETOWN — Alanna Brown had plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, including the dedicated service of Georgetown’s police officers. To show her appreciation for their work, she assembled 30 care packages full of items they may need while on duty.

This is the third year Alanna, an 8-year-old Georgetown resident, has created the packages, which included Hersey kisses, gum, mints, Chap Stick, a granola bar and a pen. However, she and her mom, Bethany Brown, have been making holiday treats for police officers and firefighters since Alanna was a toddler.

“I always thought about police and firefighters who work the holidays, because they’re out doing things while we’re at home,” Bethany said. “Alanna and I wanted to do this as a nice thank you to our first responders.”

The two have even donated their time to Our Neighbors’ Table in Amesbury and enjoy giving back to their community.

“I like helping people,” Alanna said.

Alanna and her mom dropped off the packages to the Georgetown police station on Nov. 22 and were met with thanks from officers. Alanna even got a Georgetown Police bracelet to wear as a token of their appreciation.

“These Thanksgiving treats really made our day,” Police Chief Donald C. Cudmore said. “We’re so thankful for residents like Alanna who take time out of their day to do something nice for members of this department.”

North Reading Police Warn About Blackmail Scam

North Reading Police are alerting the community about a blackmail scam where the scammer demands a payment to keep the victim’s alleged secret. (Courtesy Photo)

Reading Police remind resident to NEVER pay these ransoms and to immediately report incidents like this to the police department. (Courtesy Photo)

NORTH READING — It’s old meets new as a well-known scam recently targeted a North Reading resident.

Chief Michael P. Murphy reports that the North Reading Police Department is investigating after a resident received a typed letter in the traditional mail on Monday demanding a blackmail payment be made via the digital currency called Bitcoin.

Police indicate that it is a new spin on one of the oldest money scams going. The sender informs the resident that they have “evidence” about “the secret you are keeping from your wife.” The sender agrees to “forget all about you and let you get on with your life” in exchange for a $2,500 “confidentiality fee” that must be paid via Bitcoin.

“These types of scams all have one thing in common: a criminal threatens an unsuspecting resident, but promises that the threat can go away in exchange for money paid via a method that usually cannot be tracked and cannot be recovered,” Chief Murphy said. “Above all, please do not pay these people. These are fraudulent threats aimed at stealing your money.”

These scams have been around for many years and come in a wide variety of types and methods including:

Scammers demand money via Western Union wires, pre-paid debit cards, gift cards, mailed cash, or Bitcoin in almost all cases. Scams can come in the mail, email, social media, or via telephone (landline or cell phone).

Similar letters were received by residents of other communities around the country. In the North Reading example, it was a widely used form letter with the resident’s name added throughout to give the appearance of authenticity.

Chief Murphy urges all residents to be vigilant with these types of scams and report them to your local police department.

Burlington Police Announce 12 Days of Holiday Safety Tips

Officers Increase Patrols in Shopping Areas to Prevent Theft

BURLINGTON – Chief Michael Kent announces that this holiday season, the Burlington Police Department will be providing 12 days of safety tips to residents on a variety of topics.

These safety tips are part of the Burlington Police Department’s ongoing community policing initiative, which aims to keep the public informed and safe throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season.

Throughout the day, as residents head out for Black Friday shopping, there will be an increased presence of Burlington Police officers in shopping areas, especially in and around the Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike, and throughout 3rd Ave.

“With today being one of the busiest shopping days of the year, we want community members to rest assured that we will be monitoring busy retail areas to prevent theft and assist with traffic flow,” Chief Kent said. “We want to remind residents to drive carefully, especially when navigating through the mall, and as always, if you see something suspicious, report it to police.”

Suspicious activity can be reported to the Burlington Police Department at 781-272-1212.